Tag Archives: focus

Writing has taken a backseat lately. Studying for an upcoming major exam have taken a priority. However, I just can’t resist drowning in my thoughts, itching to write.

And so, I have done something I should have already made a habit of doing. Writing down my agenda in my calendar. Now, it’s posted up with my everyday goal of studying til my CPhT certification exam arrives. Alright, I’m not that bad with organizing my time. I have my schedule on hand but the traditional actually-writing-it-down-in-a-calendar-with-a-pen works much better than when I type it in the calendar in my phone or Outlook.

Oddly enough, my brain started to focus – laser focused. It wants to accomplish my to-do list for the day. Guess this is going to be the best way to manipulate myself to do what I need to do. Especially since I’ve always been a go-getter. Hmmm…

As Les Brown have said, “You must remain focused on your journey to greatness.” That’s exactly Well, I want to be great. But I have to start with one foot in front of the other at a time. I should keep this in mind when I get cracking again with copywriting.

It’s frustrating. As a freelance copywriter, it is very easy to get caught up in having a messy schedule with hardly any productivity. It is even more infuriating when you assess what you have done for the day and find out that you did not really accomplish anything. So what was really the matter?

In the book, The Wealthy Freelancer: 12 Secrets to a Great Income and an Enviable Lifestyle, Pete Savage spoke about focus in Secret 8: Bring Focus to Your Freelance Business. Part of the chapter encompasses focusing on prospects and clients that you specified. For example, if your target market are businesses in real estate, you only take projects from those clients in real estate. Yes, indeed it is tempting to reach out to prospects outside of your target market. However, does it really help you when you have to go back to step 1 again since you have learn about how customers in that market react to advertising? How are you supposed to climb up the mountain when you keep digging at the bottom of your specialty? Seems pointless right?

Another book, The Power of Focus: How to Hit Your Business, Personal and Financial Targets with Absolute Certainty, by Jack Canfield speaks about prioritizing. It is too easy to get caught up in counter productive plans like watching YouTube instead of writing up the sales letter. Use the tools that will help you stay on track whether it’s a corkboard with all of your to-do lists, a calendar, outlook, or even a personal assistant. You will be relieved to find by doing that, you make room for what really matters – spending time with family, enjoying your hobby, traveling, whatever else that you need to do.

Think about it. As a freelance copywriter, we have chose this profession because of freedom and to get to do what we want to do. But how can you enjoy the fruits of your labor if all you do is working all of the time to meet deadlines for clients or to get prospects flowing in the door. Or else, there’s no roof over your head or food on the table? If focusing and prioritizing are keys to being able to be successful and enjoying it, I would change, would you?